New degree in Fashion Design has an eye on the environment

Buckinghamshire New University is launching a Fashion Design degree which has a focus on developing a next generation of designers with an eye on sustainability and ethics.

Its BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree will allow students to benefit from industry links and build the skills to thrive in a competitive industry, while also focusing on being highly innovative and creative.

The degree programme, which starts in September 2013 and is taking applicants now, will see students study the way garments and materials are produced for fashion, and the environmental impact of these processes.

Course leader, Sian-Kate Mooney, who previously owned her own fashion business, said: “Mass manufacturing in the fashion industry has, I believe, got a poor reputation for environmental issues, as well as its treatment of its labour force.

“As part of the course we will be looking at alternative ways of the production of materials and clothing. These do exist and are being adopted slowly by all sectors of the industry, so it is important that graduates understand these issues and know about the alternative methods.

“I hope to provide the opportunity for students to study in an experimental and creative environment whilst understanding the importance of ethics and sustainability within fashion.

“The staff team at Bucks have very strong links with industry and we will be looking to utilise these to provide students with live briefs and lectures to ensure they have a real-life experience of the fashion sector.”

Students will be based in a new fashion studio in the University’s Red Shed building, at our campus in Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, where BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design courses are also taught.

Students will also find out how the trend and forecasting industry works, how to research and develop ideas to produce exciting fashion designs, and will explore materials and understand how global supply chains work. They will also develop skills in visual communication for fashion, pattern cutting and manufacture. At the end of the course, students will design and make a collection and portfolio to exhibit.

Sian-Kate Mooney, herself a talented sculpture artist who displays work nationally and internationally, owned her own fashion business for ten years, showing collections at London Fashion Week and Tranoï, part of Paris Fashion Week. The course leader also previously co-wrote a BA (Hons) Fashion Design degree at the University of East London (UEL) and is studying a PhD in Fine Art at The University of East London.

The new Fashion Design degree is part of a range of art and design-focused degree programmes currently being launched by Bucks New University for September 2013 to meet the requirements of the creative industries.